Lied Across Kansas Expansion
As a catalyst for the arts, creativity and engagement, it is a core part of the Lied Center’s mission to provide performing arts opportunities and experiences for those who might not otherwise have access. With that goal in mind, the Lied Across Kansas program was developed in 2015. Each season since, the Lied Center has brought one performing artist or group on tour to four arts-underserved communities in Kansas. During the tours, students, educators and community members are able to experience the arts in an enhanced way through workshops, performances and conversations with world-class artists—free of charge.
The Lied Center is thrilled to expand this impactful program in the 2021–22 season with two Lied Across Kansas tours, reaching eight different communities in Kansas.
Special thanks to the H. Neil Mecaskey, Jr. Foundation for making the very first gift to the Lied Across Kansas Forever endowed fund.
2021–22 Lied Across Kansas artists:

The Westerlies
October 2021 | Visiting Sabetha, Russell, Hoxie & Colby
The Westerlies is a New York-based brass quartet that explores jazz, roots and chamber music influences to create the rarest of hybrid music. In addition to the Lied Across Kansas tour, the ensemble will perform at the Lied Center on April 17, 2021.
Additional Lied Across Kansas artist to be announced
Videos from past years:
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2019/20 Jazzy Ash—Lied Across Kansas
5th year of Lied Across Kansas. Jazzy Ash is a celebrated children’s songwriter and music educator. Inspired by her New Orleans roots and early jazz music, Ash performs fun-filled and educational concerts for kids and adults, teaching audiences about New Orleans music and culture. The Lied Across Kansas outreach program visited rural schools and community centers in Salina, Hays, Russell and Sabetha, Kansas. -
2018/19 WindSync—Lied Across Kansas
4th year of the Lied Across Kansas program. WindSync is a collective of five outstanding wind musicians who come together as performers, educators and community-builders. The Houston-based wind quintet is known for intimate, joyful, thoughtfully programmed and fully memorized concert presentations. The Lied Across Kansas outreach program visited rural schools and community centers in Salina, Hays, Russell and Sabetha, Kansas. -
2017/18 Paige Hernandez—Lied Across Kansas
3rd year of Lied Across Kansas. Paige Hernandez is a multifaceted performer known for her innovative fusion of poetry, hip-hop, dance and education. Hernandez is a master teaching artist and has taught throughout the country to all ages in all disciplines. The outreach program visited rural schools and community centers in Salina, Hays, Russell and Sabetha, Kansas. -
2016/17 Erik Kaiel—Lied Across Kansas
2nd year of Lied Across Kansas. Erik Kaiel is an international teacher, performer and choreographer; born in Austria, he spent his formative years in North America, studying in both Canada and the USA. Kaiel spent a decade working with various choreographers in Brooklyn, before relocating to The Hague. The Lied Across Kansas outreach program visited rural schools and community centers in Salina, Hays, Russell and Sabetha, Kansas. -
2015/16 PROJECT Trio—Lied Across Kansas
1st year of Lied Across Kansas. PROJECT Trio is a chamber music ensemble based in Brooklyn, New York. It consists of Greg Pattillo (flute), Eric Stephenson (cello), and Peter Seymour (double bass). Their extensive repertoire consists of original compositions and arrangements by the trio members that highlight their versatility by bridging several styles including classical music, jazz, hip hop, rock, Americana, and bluegrass. The group is dedicated to music education that offers workshops and concerts in schools around the world. The Lied Across Kansas outreach program visited rural schools and community centers in Salina, Hays, Russell and Sabetha, Kansas.